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Investigation Reveals 23 Damaged Components on Arik Air Flight

March 13, 2026
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Nigeria’s air accident investigators said a passenger aircraft operated by Arik Air suffered damage to at least 23 components after an abnormal engine incident during a flight in February.

In a preliminary report released on Friday, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said the incident involved a Boeing 737-700 that was operating a scheduled passenger service on February 11, 2026.

According to the bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Arowojobe, the aircraft, registered as 5N-MJF, departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport in Ile-Ife when the crew encountered an abnormal engine event mid-flight.

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The pilots initiated emergency procedures and diverted to Benin Airport in Benin City, where the aircraft landed safely. No passengers or crew members were injured.

Investigators said the report was based on information gathered from several sources, including flight crew statements, air traffic control communications, flight recorder data and an initial physical examination of the aircraft.

The inspection revealed extensive damage to the aircraft’s engine and nearby structures.

The bureau said the engine inlet cowling was missing and the number six fan blade of the engine had broken off, with the root still attached. The remaining fan blades were chipped and damaged, while the inboard and outboard engine cowling covers were bent upward, exposing engine accessories.

The report also documented structural damage in several areas, including cuts and cracks on the engine containment case, damage to the engine-driven pump and exhaust assembly, as well as dents and punctures on parts of the airframe, wings and stabilisers.

According to investigators, the sixth fan blade of the aircraft’s number one engine was missing when the aircraft landed in Benin City.

The bureau said the aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness and that the flight crew were properly licensed to conduct the operation. The first officer was flying the aircraft while the captain acted as pilot monitoring.

“While climbing through FL260 to FL270, the flight crew heard a loud bang and grinding noise, followed by vibrations from the number one engine,” the report said, adding that the crew declared a MAYDAY and contacted air traffic control before diverting.

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The investigation also found that communication between the pilots and air traffic controllers remained effective throughout the emergency.

Post-incident tests showed that the crew tested negative for alcohol, drugs and other psychoactive substances as investigators continue to examine the cause of the engine failure.

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Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa

Prosper Okoye

Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa

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